Training and preparing for three different sports in one can be a little more intimidating than deciding to do a kid's running race or local 5K. Three sports are a little more difficult to balance. So we've come up with some tips to help parents and kids better prepare for a kids triathlon. This is not intended to be a regimented training plan, but simply some ideas that you can do as a family to better prepare your kids for the triathlon.

At the beginning of summer start being more active outdoors with your kids. Go on family walks, bike rides, or even go to the pool together. While on these family outings you can challenge your kids to races with dad or mom for short distances. This will get the kids used to giving a little more effort that they might be used to. Start short, then move to longer races.

It would be good to take these outings in a local park where you don't have to watch traffic. In Conway, Tucker Creek bike trail and Laurel Park are excellent places to "train". Laurel Park is especially good if you have smaller children not doing the race, they can play on the playground while you and your other child(ren) ride or run.

"Cross Training" is also great fun. You don't have to swim, bike, or run all the time. Try playing soccer, throwing a Frisbee or football, going on a family hike, or any other activity that gets you all moving together.

While it is good to have outdoor activity with your kids every day, you don't need to do all three sports every day. It is more than enough to do each sport once or twice per week.

Work on the sport that your child may not be to sure of in a positive and fun way, no pressure.

If your child struggles in the water, you may want to get a private swim lesson or two just to give them the confidence they need to swim the distance.

By about late June, you should build these fun family outings to where you are swimming, riding, or running the actual distances or further that they will be racing. There is no need to do "two a days" or to try and do all three in a day. Remember these are a lot more fun as family outings, but if you have smaller children who are not doing the race, it might be good for the older child(ren) to get some special one on one time with mom or dad to "train" for the race.

In late July it would be good for you and your child do a bike followed by a run. This is the closest thing to a workout you will do together, and it is called a "brick workout" because your legs feel like a load of bricks when you try to run after riding your bike. Remember to make it fun, you're not training for the Olympics. Do a few bricks (one a week) starting with shorter distances and working up to the actual race distances.

Also in late July you should practice the transitions with your child. Most people don't think about preparing for the time between the sports, but this is where most confusion occurs. Here are a few specific things to prepare your child for.

Locating their own spot. It is good to use a favorite or colorful towel to help your child locate their spot in transition area. There are going to be a lot of bikes in there and even though our volunteers are great at helping the kids to their bikes, it helps if the kids have a bright or fun towel to look for.

Practice putting your shoes and socks on (you don't have to wear socks if you don't want) with wet feet. You might get a set of "speed laces". These are elastic shoelaces that allow you to get into your shoes a lot easier. You can pick a pair up at your local running store (The Sporty Runner if you live in Conway).

Teach your kids how to run/walk with their bikes. They are not allowed to ride them in the transition area. It is good to use some tape and set out a mount/dismount line to get them to practice running their bike to it and getting on/off their bike at the line.

Make sure you have all of the necessary equipment you will need on race day (goggles, bike helmet, towel, running shoes, socks if you want them) and practice with it. This will familiarize you and your child with everything so you'll be less likely to forget items on race morning.

You could have a lot of fun setting up a virtual transition area and racing each other through it.

In early August if you live in or near Conway, it would be good for you and your child to at least visit the course and if possible do the course together as a family. Familiarity will bring much comfort.

Make sure your child's bike is in safe and proper working condition. Keep air in the tires, the chain lubricated, and all bolts and such properly fastened or adjusted. You may want to take your child's bike to your local bike shop 2-3 weeks prior to the race for a tune up if you need help (The Ride if you live in Conway).

The safety of our athletes and volunteers is our primary concern. In the event of inclement weather, the race will attempt to continue under the following circumstances:

Lightening: The event will be postponed by 30 minutes. If lightening is closer than 6 miles away at 8:00AM using the Flash to Bang method, then the race will be postponed by 30 minutes. Families should wait in their cars until 8:30. If the lightening continues to be within 6 miles at 8:30AM, then the race will be cancelled. Check the website to see where packets can be picked up in the event of cancellation. www.conwaykidstri.com

Rain: The event will NOT be cancelled due to rain alone. If it is determined that the bike portion of the race would be unsafe due to wet roads, then the race will be changed to a swim-run duathlon. Athletes will be informed of such a change via announcements race day.

Tornado warning: The race will be cancelled in the event of a tornado warning. Check the website to see where packets can be picked up in the event of cancellation.

The Transition area is where you make the "transition" from the swim to the bike and from the bike to the run. This is where you will keep your gear for the changeover between sports.

Transition area spots are designated by age division. Please look for the age division sign that you belong in.

Parents will be allowed in transition area before and after the race in order to help their child set up. Once the race begins, parents will not be allowed into the transition area. Volunteers will be available to assist children that might need help finding their spot, putting their dry shoes on their wet feet, etc.

Space is limited inside the transition area. Please use as little space as is necessary when setting up your things. Volunteers reserve the right to move athlete gear in order to help create spots for other competitors should the need arise.

Kids, after your swim, you will enter the transition area at the entrance closest to the pool. Go to your spot, put your shoes on, buckle your helmet, and walk/run your bike to the other end (bike exit) of transition area. No riding your bicycles in the transition area. There will be a bike mount/dismount line where you can get on your bike. When you finish the bike course, you will get off of your bike at this line and walk/run your bike back to your spot. Remove your helmet and run out the other end (the same one you ran in from the swim).

No one will be allowed into the transition area to pick up his or her things until the last competitor is off of the bike and on the run course. Please be prepared for this, we will not make exceptions. This is important for the safety of all competitors, and it will also ensure that all competitors are allowed a congestion free transition area. Thanks for your understanding in this matter.

A bike air pump and mechanic will be available before the race should you have any mechanical issues that arise before or during the race. Please come prepared with your bike in good working condition, as the mechanic's time will be limited to very minor repairs.

As is the case with all of our volunteers, please treat them with kindness. These good people are giving their time to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time. Thanks so much and let us know if there is anything we can do to improve our transition area.